Volunteer

How YOU can make a difference

No experience is needed to be a volunteer READ mentor. A volunteer must enjoy working with children, share their love of reading and commit one hour per week to the program throughout the school year. A volunteer may also consider finding a partner to share the experience and volunteer every other week or twice per month. Each volunteer is provided with training, a mentor handbook, reading books and supplies. Volunteer placement opportunities are available during daytime and evening hours in over 40 center sites located in schools, libraries, churches and community centers throughout Saginaw County.

Students are referred to the program by principals, teachers and parents. Each student and volunteer is a unique pair whose needs and accomplishments deserve individual consideration. Most children who struggle with reading lack proficient time and a desire to read. Mentors bridge this gap and strive to motivate students and show that reading is a lifelong skill needed for everyday living.

Extensive research has proven that reading aloud to a child is the single most important factor in raising a reader. Volunteers are provided with a training handbook, books, and guidelines for weekly sessions, as well as encouraged to implement their own motivational ideas.

All volunteers are expected to:

Be willing to share a love of reading and be enthusiastic. Volunteers are not reading teachers, but rather, friends whose positive attention can motivate a child to want to read.

Be reliable, prepared and on time. A student will recognize your commitment and interest in him/her and will gain a greater self-esteem and more confidence that he/she can succeed.

Be a team player. Be available to work with the Coordinator, teacher or parent if needed.

We need YOU!YOU can make the difference. The more volunteer mentors recruited, the more students we are able to assist in the program.